Ben Skirving has agreed a two-year contract extension with Aviva Premiership side Bath.

The former Saracens No.8, capped once by England, has made 49 appearances for the west country club since making the move to the Rec in 2009.

"Ben has worked very hard on his defensive and attacking game, and he has made big gains in his ball carrying and overall involvement around the park," head coach Steve Meehan said.

"He is an accomplished line-out operator and his positional flexibility makes him a very useful player to have in the squad."

Bath director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan also welcomed the news, adding: "We are very happy Ben has agreed to stay with the club. He has been a very effective player for us this season, and his hard work and dependability is a very good example to the rest of the squad."